MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Union County Commissioners decided against voting on a tax increase Monday night, which would let the school's budget pass without deep cuts.

School district officials ay if the tax increase is not approved, thousands of students, many sports and activities, and teachers will feel the effects.

"The price of everything goes up, whether it's electricity or gas for the buses," said Eddie Graham, Union County Director of Health and Human Resources.

Graham says rising costs are among the factors that have contributed to the shortfall, and leaving the school board with difficult decisions to make ends meet.

Five certified and seven non-certified teachers would lose their jobs.

Cheerleading, band, and athletic coaches would not get paid for that extra work

"They would eliminate the morning bus route which would save probably more than half the $800,000," said Graham.

Which means it would be up to parents, like Connie Williams, to make sure their kids get to class.

"With gas prices the way they are, this would definitely have an affect on our family budget," said Williams.

She is in favor of a tax increase, something that Graham says would go a long way to help balance the schools' budget.

If it's not approved, he says coaches may not coach for free, and all sports seasons could be in jeopardy.

"Could have a forfeiture of all the games that are remaining on the schedules for all the teams that are participating in their season sports right now," said Graham.

"I mean I'm not for it. I can't afford it, I think it's ridiculous," said Linda Shope, a homeowner against raising taxes. "We live on a fixed income, and it's hard. It's hard for everybody."

If the county commission doesn't pass the tax increase, the cuts would go into effect next monday.

The meeting starts tonight at 7:00 upstairs in the County Courthouse.

Graham says right now, the local government pays for eight percent of the school's budget.

He adds that it is one of the lowest rates in the area.

Commissioners plan on meeting with the School Board on Monday night at the high school's auditorium.

That 7pm meeting will be open to the public,